SAPPMA
HIGH STANDARDS KEY to improving competitiveness The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has highlighted the importance of adhering to local and international standards as one of the key ingredients to improving the sector’s competitive edge.
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arlier this year, the merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) Plastics Chamber released the findings of a study conducted with Plastics SA that aimed to identify the biggest challenges facing a hugely challenged plastic pipe manufacturing sector. The study also hoped to make recommendations that would aid its growth and sustainability. “The results of the merSETA study have certainly highlighted aspects in the pipe sector that require attention or need improvement,” says Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA. “One overarching factor is the issue of continued weak demand, which resulted in inadequate capital expenditure and a lack of research and development. However, we remain resolute in our belief that adherence to international and local standards is still a key ingredient to ensure the survival, success and growth of this important sector,” says expands. The research report also made it clear that the pipe manufacturing sector cannot be viewed in isolation. The broader supply chain
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and executive players in that supply chain have a direct impact on the industry and therefore need to be approached holistically if the sector’s current position is to improve. As Venter points out, SAPPMA is in the privileged position to have the entire value chain represented as members, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers and installers. SAPPMA was launched in 2004 to represent the interests of the well-developed plastic pipe business in South Africa and surrounding countries. Today, this voluntary, self-regulating association represents more than 80% of the country’s plastic pipe manufacturers. Its primary objective is to create consumer confidence within the plastic pipe industry by promoting the production and use of highquality pipes and pipe systems. Only plastic pipes manufactured by members who have committed to abide by the Association’s Code of Conduct – which includes agreeing to independent, unannounced audits – are permitted to display the SAPPMA logo as proof that they meet local and international quality standards.
Improving quality management systems
Taking shortcuts on quality causes long-term harm
The South African pipe industry has been
“Unfortunately, we have seen a growing number of players in the industry unwilling to meet our criteria for the sake of cutting costs or taking shortcuts. We are receiving more and more reports of pipes that are underweight or shorter in length entering the market. Companies that are guilty of using substandard procedures, skipping certain quality tests, or including recycled materials are causing irreparable harm to the reputation and longevity of our industry and will not be awarded membership to SAPPMA,” Venter stresses.
Optimising the value chain and improving quality management systems were subquestions of the research methodology, and the study has revealed that much could be leveraged in this area. Venter explains that quality management systems are already a key focus area for SAPPMA and are an important element of their audits. “Few manufacturers, specifiers and endusers understand that combining quality concepts results in an optimal balance between cost and quality and leads to an improved system and life-cycle cost. For this reason, we frequently host webinars or workshops where members and non-members alike, as well as other interested parties, are offered insights into the benefits of combining risk management, total cost of quality, and functional quality management systems,” Venter explains.
Increasing output and efficiency through upgrading technology and equipment
SAPPMA’s CEO Jan Venter (left), together with technical manager Ian Venter
